The modern languages and linguistics aptitude test (MLAT)

Are you looking to study modern languages/linguistics at university?

Applying to the University of Oxford for Modern Languages – the MLAT is something that you will need to do.

What is the modern languages and linguistics aptitude test (MLAT) used for?

Anyone who is applying to study a course at the University of Oxford that includes a modern language is required to sit an MLAT. The test comes in three parts and the papers you are required to sit will depend on the languages you are currently studying and the course you have applied for.

The MLAT is designed to separate candidates not only on their knowledge of a foreign language, but also on their potential to understand a new language structure and to learn a new language quickly.

What courses require the modern languages and linguistics aptitude test?

The MLAT is required for a wide variety of courses that include language or linguistics in their syllabus. To find out which courses require the test, and which papers you might be asked to sit, check out the information on the University of Oxford’s languages test page

What is the format of the modern languages and linguistics aptitude test?

The MLAT consists of three 30minute exam papers, although you will only be asked to sit a maximum of two of the papers. The three papers are:

Modern Languages Admissions Tests – these are language specific tests for students applying to study a language they are already studying at A-level. These papers test knowledge of structure and grammar rather than vocabulary.

Language Aptitude Test – this paper is for students who are starting a new language at university. This exam tests your aptitude for analysing a language and potential for learning a new language quickly.

Linguistics Aptitude Test – this paper is for students who wish to be considered for any course with a compulsory linguistics element. It tests your ability to analyse linguistic data and is as much about how you arrive at your answer as it is about the answer itself.

How and when do you take the modern languages and linguistics aptitude test?

All admissions tests for the University of Oxford take place on the same day. For 2013, this will be November 6th. You will need to ask your school examinations officer to enter you for the exams that apply to the course you have chosen, as you cannot enter directly. Entries open on September 1st and you must be completed by 5pm on October 15th.

Independent students who are not currently studying at a school or college will need to find an ‘open centre’ in order to register for and sit the MLAT.

What does the modern languages and linguistics aptitude test cost?

As with all entrance exams for the University of Oxford, there is no fee payable for taking the test at school or college. However, if you take the tests at an open centre you may be asked to contribute to the running costs of the centre.

How to prepare for the modern languages and linguistics aptitude test

The best way to prepare for the MLAT tests is to download the specimen paper. This will show you the kind of questions you can expect and guide your revision for the test. Generally speaking it is important to revise grammar and structure more than vocabulary for the Modern Languages test, while the aptitude tests are harder to do specific preparation for.